The squad for our Asian tour was scrutinised by every keen Arsenal fan in order to find some evidence of Wenger’s transfer policy this summer. Perhaps we have read into the squad list far too much, but with little other news available, it’s all that us Gooners can do right now.

Fabregas was not in the squad, but Nasri was. This struck many of us as odd – why would we bring Nasri with us if he is almost a City/Utd player? That would be simply quite embarrassing. To announce his departure while he is on an Arsenal tour would be damaging to the team and the fan’s morale – it shows a lack of unity.
However, despite the media constantly reminding us that Nasri is edging ever-closer to a move up North, recent comments by Wenger seem to suggest otherwise.

Wenger’s team have landed in Malaysia, and our manager had a press conference in Kuala Lumpar soon after landing. When asked if Nasri is staying, Arsene responded:

“Yes. There is always speculation when a player has one year to go on his contract that he might leave the club but Samir Nasri is very happy at the Club and committed to stay at the Club.

“I hope he will sign a new contract but I am not the only one to decide that.”

This indicates some good news, and some bad news. Wenger seems pretty certain that Samir will remain at Arsenal, which is of course a relief for the players and fans alike. Although Gervinho may be a long-term replacement on the wing, Nasri’s Premier League experience and ability to open up defences are still important assets to the team.

On the other hand, Wenger does not seem so sure that Samir will sign a contract extension. Does anyone remember our manager’s comments before the Fulham game? Here they are to refresh your memory:

“We won’t allow that to happen again. We do not want the same as Flamini. We will sort it out quickly at the end of the season. We need to move very quickly. It must be resolved before the new season starts.”

Wenger wanted to assure fans that we will not keep Clichy and Nasri at the club, without a contract extension, and allow them to leave on a free next summer.

Now, not only does Arsene admit that Nasri may not sign a new deal, but these comments before the Fulham game also indicate that Wenger has not kept to his promise. Le boss has not acted quickly this summer and we may have another Flamini situation next summer.

What about Cesc? Well, the Arsenal manager is still pretty confident about our captain staying. Is this just a way of ensuring that Arsenal fans stay happy or does he really think Fabregas will be a Gunner next year?

“Yes [I expect Cesc to stay]. As simple as that.”

“I have never spoken about what has happened behind closed doors but Cesc loves the Club. We know the Barcelona story goes on for years now and we have to close that. Now we focus on the new season, hopefully with Cesc Fabregas.”

These comments are less strong than those on Nasri, but once again, Wenger doesn’t even seem to mention that other clubs have interest in our two stars. Is all the media speculation quite simply a load of rubbish, or is Wenger keeping us in the dark? I reckon that these quotes are a facade. I don’t believe Arsene will let both Nasri and Cesc leave, but to think that both will stay is probably overly optimistic.

If we were to lose both, and replace them with Mata and Gervinho (the two with whom we are very strongly linked), then I think most fans will say that that is a significant step down. The two potential signings are nowhere near as good as Nasregas, so will Wenger honestly make such a mistake?

Leave your comments below. In my opinion, at least one player will stay, and Nasri will probably be that player. But I doubt he will sign a contract extension, leaving us about £25 million out of pocket (if you include the wages we will have to pay him for next season). That doesn’t seem like a good business move, but neither would selling two of our best players. I can only hope that Wenger’s positive quotes have some truth behind them.

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